J. Peter Van Dorsten

17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate to prevent prematurity in nulliparas with cervical length less than 30 mm

OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate whether 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHP) reduces preterm birth (PTB) in nulliparous women with a midtrimester cervical length (CL) <30 mm. STUDY DESIGN In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, nulliparous women with a singleton gestation between 16 and 22 3/7 weeks with an endovaginal CL <30 mm (<10th percentile in this population) were randomized to weekly intramuscular 17-OHP (250 mg) or placebo through 36 weeks. The primary outcome was PTB <37 weeks. RESULTS The frequency of PTB did not differ between the 17-OHP (n = 327) and placebo (n = 330) groups (25.1% vs 24.2%; relative risk, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.35). There also was no difference in the composite adverse neonatal outcome (7.0% vs 9.1%; relative risk, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-1.30). CONCLUSION Weekly 17-OHP does not reduce the frequency of PTB in nulliparous women with a midtrimester CL <30 mm.

Predictive value of fibronectin levels in normotensive gravid women destined to become preeclamptic

The plasma fibronectin concentration was abnormally elevated (greater than 400 micrograms/ml) in 16 of 17 normotensive gravid women who subsequently developed preeclampsia. Of this group, 13 had elevated levels detectable greater than or equal to 4 weeks before the onset of hypertension. Our results indicate that plasma fibronectin levels can be abnormally increased long before the onset of clinical symptoms and that abnormalities of this glycoprotein may be an early indication of this pathologic process.

Intrapartum management of category II fetal heart rate tracings: towards standardization of care

There is currently no standard national approach to the management of category II fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns, yet such patterns occur in the majority of fetuses in labor. Under such circumstances, it would be difficult to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of FHR monitoring even if this technique had immense intrinsic value, since there has never been a standard hypothesis to test dealing with interpretation and management of these abnormal patterns. We present an algorithm for the management of category II FHR patterns that reflects a synthesis of available evidence and current scientific thought. Use of this algorithm represents one way for the clinician to comply with the standard of care, and may enhance our overall ability to define the benefits of intrapartum FHR monitoring.

The preterm cervix and preterm labor: relative risks, predictive values, and change over time

The accurate prediction and diagnosis of preterm labor continue to frustrate the clinician. This is partly due to a scarcity of cervical data from the early third trimester. A total of 760 prospective, serial, paired, and blinded pelvic examinations were done at 28 to 34 weeks of gestation for 191 patients without a history of preterm labor. If the cervix was dilated greater than or equal to 1 cm (internal os) or effaced greater than 30%, the relative risk of preterm labor was increased to 1.8 to 4.2. Negative predictive values for cervical status were greater than 92%, but positive predictive values were less than or equal to 18%. Change over time was unusual (dilatation increase greater than or equal to 1 cm or effacement increase greater than or equal to 40%), suggesting that a baseline late second-trimester examination could assist in the early but accurate diagnosis of preterm labor should it be suspected later in gestation. These data suggest that even in the low-risk patient, an early cervical examination could be beneficial.

Evidence of accelerated platelet production and consumption in nonthrombocytopenic preeclampsia

Platelet size and the distribution of platelet sizes are both increased in preeclamptic patients with normal platelet counts. These changes suggest that accelerated platelet production and consumption are both widespread in preeclampsia.

Abdominal cerclage for the treatment of recurrent cervical insufficiency: laparoscopy or laparotomy?

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of traditional abdominal cerclage (AC) with laparoscopic cerclage (LC). STUDY DESIGN Eligible women had at least 1 second trimester pregnancy loss due to cervical insufficiency, and had undergone at least 1 failed transvaginal cerclage. A prospective cohort of patients undergoing LC was compared with a historical control group of patients who had AC. A successful primary outcome was defined as delivery of a viable infant with neonatal survival. RESULTS We were able to evaluate 19 pregnancies following unique abdominal cerclage placement, 12 laparoscopic and 7 at the time of laparotomy. Nine of 12 (75%) undergoing LC and 5 of 7 (71%) pregnancies undergoing AC successfully delivered a viable infant (P = .63). LC during pregnancy was successful in 4 of 5 (80%) cases as compared to 3 of 5 (60%) cases with AC during pregnancy (P = 1.0). CONCLUSION Operative laparoscopy is a safe and effective alternative to laparotomy for the placement of abdominal cerclage.

Frequency of and factors associated with severe maternal morbidity

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of severe maternal morbidity, assess its underlying etiologies, and develop a scoring system to predict its occurrence. Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network cohort of 115,502 women and their neonates born in 25 hospitals across the United States over a 3-year period. Women were classified as having severe maternal morbidity according to a scoring system that takes into account the occurrence of red blood cell transfusion (more than three units), intubation, unanticipated surgical intervention, organ failure, and intensive care unit admission. The frequency of severe maternal morbidity was calculated and the underlying etiologies determined. Multivariable analysis identified patient factors present on admission that were independently associated with severe maternal morbidity; these were used to develop a prediction model for severe maternal morbidity. RESULTS: Among 115,502 women who delivered during the study period, 332 (2.9/1,000 births, 95% confidence interval 2.6–3.2) experienced severe maternal morbidity. Postpartum hemorrhage was responsible for approximately half of severe maternal morbidity. Multiple patient factors were found to be independently associated with severe maternal morbidity and were used to develop a predictive model with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80. CONCLUSION: Severe maternal morbidity occurs in approximately 2.9 per 1,000 births, is most commonly the result of postpartum hemorrhage, and occurs more commonly in association with several identifiable patient characteristics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II

Risk-adjusted models for adverse obstetric outcomes and variation in risk-adjusted outcomes across hospitals

OBJECTIVE Regulatory bodies and insurers evaluate hospital quality using obstetrical outcomes, however meaningful comparisons should take preexisting patient characteristics into account. Furthermore, if risk-adjusted outcomes are consistent within a hospital, fewer measures and resources would be needed to assess obstetrical quality. Our objective was to establish risk-adjusted models for 5 obstetric outcomes and assess hospital performance across these outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We studied a cohort of 115,502 women and their neonates born in 25 hospitals in the United States from March 2008 through February 2011. Hospitals were ranked according to their unadjusted and risk-adjusted frequency of venous thromboembolism, postpartum hemorrhage, peripartum infection, severe perineal laceration, and a composite neonatal adverse outcome. Correlations between hospital risk-adjusted outcome frequencies were assessed. RESULTS Venous thromboembolism occurred too infrequently (0.03%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.04%) for meaningful assessment. Other outcomes occurred frequently enough for assessment (postpartum hemorrhage, 2.29%; 95% CI, 2.20-2.38, peripartum infection, 5.06%; 95% CI, 4.93-5.19, severe perineal laceration at spontaneous vaginal delivery, 2.16%; 95% CI, 2.06-2.27, neonatal composite, 2.73%; 95% CI, 2.63-2.84). Although there was high concordance between unadjusted and adjusted hospital rankings, several individual hospitals had an adjusted rank that was substantially different (as much as 12 rank tiers) than their unadjusted rank. None of the correlations between hospital-adjusted outcome frequencies was significant. For example, the hospital with the lowest adjusted frequency of peripartum infection had the highest adjusted frequency of severe perineal laceration. CONCLUSION Evaluations based on a single risk-adjusted outcome cannot be generalized to overall hospital obstetric performance.

A selective aggressive approach to the neonate exposed to meconium-stained amniotic fluid

OBJECTIVE We attempted to determine the effect on meconium aspiration syndrome from a selective approach of neonatal endotracheal intubation in meconium-exposed fetuses. STUDY DESIGN All pregnancies delivered at the Medical College of Virginia in 1990 were included. Meconium was noted at membrane rupture and qualified as thick, moderate, or thin. Neonates underwent suctioning with a DeLee device at delivery. They were observed without endotracheal intubation if they fulfilled the following criteria: vaginal delivery, gestational age > 37 weeks, birth weight > 2500 gm, and anticipated Apgar score > or = 8 at 1 minute. RESULTS Of 4289 deliveries, 659 were exposed to meconium and 48% of infants were intubated. Birth weights, gestational ages at delivery, and umbilical arterial pH were similar between intubated and nonintubated neonates. Neonatal intensive care unit admissions were significantly higher in intubated neonates. All 9 neonates diagnosed with meconium aspiration syndrome were intubated at birth. CONCLUSIONS Utilization of this protocol resulted in reduction of neonatal intubation. Meconium aspiration syndrome did not occur in the nonintubated group.

Activity restriction among women with a short cervix.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate determinants of and outcomes associated with activity restriction among women with a short cervix. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized trial of 17-&agr; hydroxyprogesterone caproate for prevention of preterm birth among nulliparous women with singleton gestations and cervices less than 30 mm by midtrimester ultrasonography. Women were asked weekly whether they had been placed on pelvic, work, or nonwork rest. “Any activity restriction” was defined as being placed on any type of rest. Factors associated with any activity restriction were determined and the association between preterm birth and activity restriction was estimated with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 657 women in the trial, 646 (98%) responded to questions regarding activity restriction. Two hundred fifty-two (39.0%) were placed on any activity restriction at a median of 23.9 weeks (interquartile range 22.6–27.9 weeks). Women on activity restriction were older, more likely to have private insurance, less likely to be Hispanic, had a shorter cervical length, and were more likely to have funneling and intra-amniotic debris. Preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation was more common among women placed on activity restriction (37% compared with 17%, P<.001). After controlling for potential confounding factors, preterm birth remained more common among those placed on activity restriction (adjusted odds ratio 2.37, 95% confidence interval 1.60–3.53). Results were similar for preterm birth at less than 34 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION: Activity restriction did not reduce the rate of preterm birth in asymptomatic nulliparous women with a short cervix. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II